Exploring capacity of construction industry post disaster housing reconstruction

Abstract

The need to manage disasters through construction industry and its wide role in achieving successful reconstruction projects has gained importance in recent years. Hence, construction industry development through capacity building is becoming inevitable to successful management of disasters. This study aims to explore the capacity of construction industry in post disaster housing reconstruction during the recent past. A questionnaire survey was conducted among contracting organizations involved in post disaster housing reconstruction to explore existing capacities. The study found that contractors place more emphasis on human, finance and management aspects in capacity building. Contractors’ financing base changed by a considerably smaller proportion in response to reconstruction circumstances and credit facilities indicates an increase. Main challenges faced in reconstruction are shortage of laborers and materials. This study densities of existing capacities and highlights areas which need capacity building to successfully face challenges of future post disaster housing reconstruction.